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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: TomC on July 22, 2016, 09:56:42 AM

Title: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: TomC on July 22, 2016, 09:56:42 AM
At least on cars with magnesium wheels, they have a finite life, as magnesium gets brittle with age. Is this a problem with Alcoa aluminum wheels? I have some on my bus that are from 1985. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: luvrbus on July 22, 2016, 10:22:47 AM
I don't know the answer but I know where a 1954 Auto Car is that has the old tube type (new)tires with the Alcoa locking ring wheels what some would call a split wheel and the wheels they look as good as new 
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on July 22, 2016, 02:49:45 PM
 The short answer Tom is,, NO,, most aircraft wheels are aluminium and are 50 to 60 years old with no fatigue.>>>Dan 
( 33 year A/P I/A retired)     
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: uncle ned on July 23, 2016, 08:20:43 AM


I have 4 22 inch aluminum split rim wheels if any one is interested in them.

uncle ned
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: TomC on July 23, 2016, 08:33:50 AM
Sounds good, thank you!
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: kyle4501 on July 23, 2016, 02:09:22 PM
The long answer is that if there was an issue, wouldn't there would be certification dates stamped on them like portable propane tanks.

;D

All bets are off if you abuse them with overloading, under inflation, improper nut torque, curbing, etc.
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: luvrbus on July 23, 2016, 02:46:05 PM
The bead set on a Alcoa wheel will wear out over time and there is not a thing you can do about it
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: kyle4501 on July 23, 2016, 03:04:25 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on July 23, 2016, 02:46:05 PM
The bead set on a Alcoa wheel will wear out over time and there is not a thing you can do about it
That is very good point. The nut seats can also be damaged. ALCOA has gauge sets to check the condition of both.
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: stevet903 on July 24, 2016, 03:55:23 AM
Here's the service manual:

https://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/catalog/pdf/ServiceManual-English.pdf (https://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/catalog/pdf/ServiceManual-English.pdf)
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: TomC on July 24, 2016, 06:41:16 AM
Thank you Steve-very informative.
Title: Re: Age of Alcoa aluminum wheels
Post by: DoubleEagle on July 24, 2016, 09:35:54 AM
Yes, very useful, thanks!